Black And Red United - D.C. United Buzzard Point Stadium Announcement Content ClearinghouseThey can't hold us back. We are United.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47471/blackandred-fave.png2014-12-17T23:18:42-05:00http://www.blackandredunited.com/rss/stream/43200292014-12-17T23:18:42-05:002014-12-17T23:18:42-05:00On What It Means to Have a Home
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<figcaption>Patrick McDermott/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In Which Our Ranty-Pants Get a Little Soaked in Spirits While Savoring The Moment</p> <p>When I went to the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> opening game against <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> in 2012, they played the Phillip Phillips song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRkntoHkIE">"Home"</a> at the end of the game, and for as much as I despise songs by those who cut their teeth on reality television, there was a bit of truth to the sentiment, past what goes on in the four minutes and change.</p>
<p>It may not be absolute, and there are still some things to hash out regarding land from Akridge, but the simple fact of the matter is that <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-council-approves-soccer-stadium/2014/12/17/e8199ce0-856f-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.html?hpid=z4">today's vote</a> which approved of a soccer stadium within the city is big. The team has managed two playoff appearances in the last three seasons despite having a payroll in the bottom half (or worse) of Major League Soccer, despite bleeding revenue like a sucking chest wound. Viscerally there is something more to it.</p>
<p>In a town where cynicism is commonplace to the point where can be bought on the corner store, having Washington D.C. have a permanent home for its soccer team serves not only as a home for a club where the fans have waited. And waited. But moreover, it does serve to a degree that the chance for optimism would help to buoy an already exceptional level of devotion to a club that has quietly earned it. But it's more than that.</p>
<p>Witness the Washington Capitals' regular season run of 2009 & 2010 and the current run with the Washington Wizards now. Witness the success of the soon to be hopeful neighbors down the road in the Washington Nationals. To borrow from the latter and in a film that people have tied that sport to, people will come. Though the case could be said that people will come BACK for D.C. United. <span>But it's more than that.</span></p>
<p><span>There is a reason why former D.C. residents and current Major League Soccer players like <span>Ethan White</span> and <span>Rodney Wallace</span> express their happiness that their hometown team, one that they grew up hoping to play for and were traded away from, or guys like Andy Najar. There's approximately 5,000 miles between Wallace in Portland and Najar in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/belgium" class="sbn-auto-link">Belgium</a>, but they all share the same thing. There are roots from both in D.C. And a lot has happened here. </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=charlie+davies+rfk&oq=charlie+davies+rfk&aqs=chrome..69i57.4444j1j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8#safe=off&q=charlie+davies+rfk+tribute">Charlie Davies' tribute and re-emergence started here</a>. Guys decided to play their <a style="font-size: 12px;" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/09/AR2007080901995.html" target="_blank">first game here (and We Also Sing Better Than Their Wife.)</a> <a style="font-size: 12px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ETwSdGuTbQ">Championships</a><span>. </span><a style="font-size: 12px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzfJVe4oFJQ">Championships</a><span>. </span><a style="font-size: 12px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2013/02/27/d-c-united-fan-tifo-is-better-than-your-fan-tifo/">And a crapton of tifo</a><span>.</span></p>
<p>But past the optimism, past the admittedly <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/12/17/d-c-united-stadium-approval-improves-its-playing-field-in-mls-in-many-ways/">tantalizing reasons</a> why D.C. United having a real home is a source of pleasure and joy past what's in front of us now, it's that the very real sense of having a home feels damn good. After waiting and waiting and waiting some more, sometimes with the end crossing one bridge in Virginia or another into Maryland, having home be where it should be, well few things are like it. It's great for so many reasons.</p>
<p>It's great for <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/28/what-ever-happened-marco-etcheverry">Marco</a>.</p>
<p>It's great for <a href="http://southamerican-futbol.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-ever-happened-to-jaime-moreno.html">Jaime</a>.</p>
<p>It's great for <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/22/AR2008072202845.html">no more power outages</a></p>
<p>It's great for <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/oct/15/us-fans-charlie-davies-world-cup">the Charlie Davies tribute</a><span>.</span></p>
<p>It's always great for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYJkhLGF7OY">MPF</a>.</p>
<p>It's great if you have <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/06/ben_olsen_heart_of_a_lion.html" target="_blank">a heart of a lion</a>.</p>
<p>It's great for <a ref="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Chang">Will</a>, who's hung around much longer than he planned, to make sure this happened.</p>
<p>It's great even if Chico <a href="http://www.dcunited.com/news/2012/04/javier-chico-solares" target="_blank">will be there from far away</a> (if you haven't, please <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/chico-solares-stand-at-buzzard-point">sign the petition</a>).</p>
<p>It's great because it's home.</p>
<p>Screw the new version, I'm watching the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WAZ60xA9wo" target="_blank">Motley Crue version of Home</a>. And digging a hole in the ground in D.C. with no lights on it right, because it can't be real until it actually happens, right?</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/2014/12/17/7413803/on-what-it-means-to-have-a-homeRyan Keefer2014-05-23T15:37:57-04:002014-05-23T15:37:57-04:00DCU Stadium proposal submitted to Council
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<figcaption>Patrick McDermott</figcaption>
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<p>Mayor Vincent Gray has announced the proposed package to build the D.C. United stadium and has submitted it to the D.C. Council.</p> <p>Mayor Vincent Gray has issued a <a href="http://oca.dc.gov/release/mayor-gray-announces-completion-soccer-stadium-deal">press release</a> with the details of the D.C. United stadium proposal and has submitted legislation to the D.C. Council. Most of the details are the same as what has been reported over the past months, but here is a rundown.</p>
<ul>
<li>D.C. will swap the Reeves Center with Akridge for its part of the land on the stadium footprint. Akridge will make up the difference in the values between the two properties with cash, which the District will then put towards acquiring other parts of the land in the stadium footprint.</li>
<li>Pepco will receive some cash from the Akridge deal, as well as acquiring District owned land at 1st Street and K NW to build a future power substation.</li>
<li>The District's costs are capped at $150 million, with an <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/2014/05/heres-the-deal-with-the-new-d-c-united-stadium.html?page=all">article from the Washington Business Journal </a>suggesting that the District's estimated costs are currently at $120 million.</li>
<li>The term of the lease is for thirty years, with two five year extensions possible after that. When the lease is over, the land will revert to the District.</li>
<li>The District will start receiving property tax in year five, sales tax revenue in year six, and a ticket surcharge in year ten.</li>
</ul>
<p>Allen Lew, the city administrator, has also finally reached a deal with Mark Ein and Super Salvage, the last landowners on the stadium footprint. However, the terms of that deal were not immediately available.</p>
<p>However, as we all know, the hardest part of this project is yet to come. The D.C. Council must now approve the deal before anything can happen, and the will of the Council is unpredictable even in the best of circumstances. With Vincent Gray a lame duck, it is unclear if Muriel Bowser or other members of the Council will want to move forward with this project before they adjourn in July. There is still plenty that can go wrong with this package, but getting something before the Council is itself a step.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/2014/5/23/5745872/d-c-united-stadium-deal-proposal-submitted-to-d-c-councilBen Bromley2014-05-19T08:31:53-04:002014-05-19T08:31:53-04:00D.C. Stadium bill goes to Council This Week?
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<figcaption>Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The City may have something to review on the Buzzard Point stadium soon. Like, really soon.</p> <p>D.C. United COO Tom Hunt said during halftime of the televised broadcast with Dave Johnson Saturday that he hoped to have some news on the stadium within the next two weeks. His appearance seems to make more sense in retrospect, as per a <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/digger/wp/2014/05/19/sources-d-c-united-and-district-government-finalizing-stadium-deal/" target="_blank">Washington Post article</a> from Jonathan O'Connell today, legislation for the Buzzard Point stadium may be submitted to (& reviewed by) the City Council as soon as this week.</p>
<p>Delays in hammering out the legislation included how the city would share in the profits from a stadium but has since been reconciled (with a ticket surcharge according to O'Connell's article), and city administrator Allen Lew is still working on acquiring two land parcels with Washington Kastles owner Mark Ein (who also owns one of the parcels), but Lew plans on sending the legislation, comprised of the land deals and agreement with the team, to the Council this week. As the Council goes on recess in July this year, time is of the essence.</p>
<p>If you have not made your voice heard on the stadium efforts to the city or you may want to reiterate said voice, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://unitedc.org/" target="_blank">now</a> may be a good time <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.keepdcunited.org/" target="_blank">to do so</a>.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2014/5/19/5730538/stadium-legislation-to-go-to-council-this-weekRyan Keefer2013-07-26T15:03:42-04:002013-07-26T15:03:42-04:00Monumental FC at yesterday's stadium presser
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<figcaption>Ned Dishman</figcaption>
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<p>Dave Johnson hosts the latest episode of the Monumental Network's new weekly series on D.C. United and soccer in the Nation's Capital.</p> <p>Well, there's obviously one thing dominating discussion among <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> fans and pundits, and that's the big stadium framework announcement. Well, long-time television voice of D.C. United Dave Johnson is no exception. The latest episode of his new show, Monumental FC, takes in yesterday's press conference at Buzzard Point. It all starts out with <span>Ben Olsen</span> talking about the supporters and what he thinks the stadium will mean for the fans. We also get a bit of United's Managing Partner Jason Levien talking about the importance of the stadium to the team and encouraging new fans to get addicted to the sport the way he did. Watch the whole episode below, or <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/monumental-fc-7-26-13/index.jsp" target="_blank">click through to the Monumental Network's page</a> to watch it there.</p>
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<h4>More from Black And Red United:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-2013-season/2013/7/26/4559122/new-england-revolution-vs-dc-united-preview-the-bent-musket">D.C. United vs. New England Revolution: Behind Enemy Lines with The Bent Musket</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/26/4558658/dc-united-stadium-announcement-buzzard-point-is-it-enough-to-salvage-2013">D.C. United's Stadium Announcement--Is it Enough to Salvage 2013?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/25/4557770/term-sheet-vincent-gray-jason-levien-dc-united-stadium">Highlights from the D.C. United stadium term sheet signed by Vincent Gray and Jason Levien</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/25/4556772/dc-united-mayor-vince-gray-stadium-press-conference-gallery">Photo Gallery: D.C. United + Mayor Vince Gray: Stadium Press Conference, July 25, 2013</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-alumni/2013/7/25/4555246/united-abroad-alumni-news-notes-for-july-2013">United Abroad: Alumni News & Notes for July 2013</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/26/4560644/monumental-fc-stadium-press-conference-ben-olsen-jason-levienAdam M Taylor2013-07-26T07:30:06-04:002013-07-26T07:30:06-04:00DCU's Stadium News--Is it Enough to Salvage 2013?
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<figcaption>dcunited.com</figcaption>
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<p>Does D.C. United's stadium announcement change how you think about the 2013 season? Does the prospect of a gleaming new home on Buzzard Point overcome 2013's disappointment on the field?</p> <p>To state the obvious, 2013 has been an incredibly disappointing season for <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> and its fans. Coming off a very strong 2012, expectations were sky high for the Black and Red. In fact, <a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-2013-season/2013/2/22/4018024/mls-eastern-conference-standings-prediction-poll">our preseason crowd-sourced Eastern Conference prediction</a> had United as the best team in the conference. And, while our Black & Red United community could be forgiven for being overly optimistic about our hometown team heading into the season, many <a href="http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/01/prosoccertalks-preseason-predictions-for-conference-champs-mls-cup-winner/">non-biased MLS observers</a> also predicted D.C. United to be a top contender again in 2013 for the MLS Cup.</p>
<p>But, an undercurrent of thought here on Black and Red United from writers and commenters alike, going back to the beginning of the season, has been that a stadium deal would be the most important achievement D.C. United could attain this year. Now that the new stadium announcement has been made, and as our team is mired in a race to set all-time MLS records we don't want to hold, do we still feel that way?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/1/29/3926416/dc-united-proposed-buzzard-point-new-stadium-top-5-impressions-MLS">We've written before</a> here on B&RU that the stadium announcement wouldn't be the end of the process, but only the end of the private phase of negotiations and the beginning of the public phase. Yet, even <a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/25/4557770/term-sheet-vincent-gray-jason-levien-dc-united-stadium/in/4320029">reading the extended timeline</a> in the non-binding term sheet (final stadium completion no later than Jan. 1, 2017), and the myriad bureaucratic, political, and financial hurdles yet to be cleared, I find myself thinking that Jul. 25, 2013, is the most consequential day in D.C. United history since the 2004 MLS Cup victory, and among its most important ever. Yes, that wishful thinking could be horribly wrong. Sure, the entire deal could still fall through. Of course, only time will tell whether the Buzzard Point stadium comes to fruition or not.</p>
<p>But, for me, the stadium announcement has turned around the entire season. It appears the owners have done their homework, garnered support from the right officials (thank you Mayor Gray!), and have aligned the powers that be to really get the stadium done this time. While it won't add any points to United's 2013 standings, the announcement sets up a bizarre, yet somehow appealing, set of goals for the team during the remainder of the season: <i>Win the US Open Cup, fight to avoid the all-time worst season record in MLS, and secure City Council approval of the stadium deal, all while prepping the young stable of promising D.C. United players for the 2014 season.</i> That's something I can get behind for the rest of 2013, since I agree with <a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/2013/7/21/4543458/why-i-still-have-faith-in-dc-uniteds-owners-and-the-stadium-deal">beardyblue's prescient FanPost</a> from earlier this week that the stadium deal is the necessary requirement for D.C. United to achieve sustained profitability and competitiveness (and dare we dream of returned greatness?).</p>
<p>What about for you?</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/26/4558658/dc-united-stadium-announcement-buzzard-point-is-it-enough-to-salvage-2013stephen.whiting2013-07-25T18:48:36-04:002013-07-25T18:48:36-04:00Legal details of today's D.C. United stadium deal
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<figcaption>dcunited.com</figcaption>
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<p>We have read through the term sheet that was signed today by Vincent Gray and Jason Levien, so you don't have to!</p> <p>The District of Columbia has released the term sheet, which is the actual document that Jason Levien and Vincent Gray signed today. All of its terms are subject to change in the final agreement (known as the transaction agreement), and this agreement is an expression of intent as is not binding on either party. The transaction agreements that will supersede this document will hopefully be signed by October 1, 2013; if nothing has been finalized by that date in October, either party may terminate the agreement.</p>
<p>However, I am bringing you these details because this seems to be a rare glance into the mechanics of a stadium development deal. This agreement will serve as the framework for the binding transaction agreements, and so the final product will (hopefully) not be substantially different. Certainly, MLS would never give this level of detail into any of their projects if they had their druthers. Here are some semi-interesting things that I have pulled from the agreement,<a href="http://oca.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/oca/page_content/attachments/Soccer%20Stadium%20Term%20Sheet%20%28executed%20copy%29.pdf"> which you can read in full</a> for yourself.</p>
<ul>
<li>The top-line clause is that "the District will not be required to fund the assemblage of the Stadium Site with cash." This has been a source of confusion all day, and clarity on this issue will distinguish in the minds of people who want to compare this to the Nationals stadium project. In addition, the District is on tabs for a maximum of $50 million towards infrastructure in preparation for the site. The length of the lease will be the estimated useful life of the stadium. Finally, at least 51% of the jobs in the stadium once it opens are required to go to residents of the District of Columbia.<br>
</li>
<li>After the stadium is built, should the team not make enough money to cover its operation and the management of the stadium, the District will give back some of the tax money generated by the stadium to help cover that shortfall. On the other hand, should the stadium itself be profitable, D.C. United will give a portion of that profit to the District. At this point, both sides expect the stadium to break even or generate modest profits when it is opened, with greater profits coming down the line.<br>
</li>
<li>On game days, D.C. United will be required to pay for police, EMTs, traffic control officers, and any fees charged by Metro. The District, however, will be responsible for trying to extend its proposed streetcar system to the stadium.<br>
</li>
<li>There is an outline of a timeline for the way that this stadium project will proceed. The District has until January 1, 2014 to assemble the land for the site, get the necessary approvals from the District Council and, if necessary, Congress. By March 1, 2015, the District will have completed all the demolition and infrastructure improvements, and street closures necessary for the project; if they are not done by that date the District will attempt to have the Washington Convention and Sports Authority waive the usage fee for RFK Stadium for that season.</li>
<li>On <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United's</a> end, their timeline is to have gotten all of the necessary zoning approvals by March 1, 2015 and entered into a construction contract by July 1, 2015. The stadium is required to be finished by January 1, 2017, but it is encouraged that it be finished by March 1, 2016.</li>
<li>The operational parts of the Pepco substation on this land will take longer to acquire, as the term sheet states, and United is required to develop the stadium so that it can be completed and available for use without acquiring that land. Obviously no one wants a power substation right outside the stadium, but its good to see that it won't derail the project completely should Pepco not be able to relocate it.</li>
<li>D.C. United will have the rights to ancillary developments on the stadium site, with the primary goal of enhancing the game day experience. This could mean shops, bars, restaurants, and all sorts of other things; in addition, these developments are supposed to provide meaningful amenities to the neighborhood on non-game days. I imagine the eventual goal is to make the United-Nationals stadium district something similar to LA Live.</li>
<li>While this is likely obvious, D.C. United will not be allowed to relocate for the entire term of the lease. In addition, their headquarters is required and their practice facilities are urged to be in the District as well.</li>
</ul>
<p>And just in case no one realized this, I am not a lawyer and this does not constitute legal opinions, advice, or anything remotely close to that. Those of you with legal training can feel free to clarify the agreement further in the comments!</p>
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https://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/25/4557770/term-sheet-vincent-gray-jason-levien-dc-united-stadiumBen Bromley2013-07-25T14:03:59-04:002013-07-25T14:03:59-04:00Photo Gallery: Stadium Presser
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<figcaption>D.C. United</figcaption>
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<p>We got some pictures at the presser where D.C. Mayor Vince Gray and D.C. United General Partner Jason Levien announced the outlines of a deal to allow the team to build a stadium on land the city will acquire on Buzzard Point.</p> <p>We'll be writing more in the near future on, I'm sure, a great many things surrounding the proposed D.C. United stadium on Buzzard Point in Southwest. We'll talk about transportation issues and the neighborhood. We'll talk about the politics surrounding and pervading the ongoing effort, which remains far from over. We'll talk about our dearly beloved tailgating culture at RFK Stadium and whether and how it can translate to a less vast sort of location. We'll parse the words of the various players at today's announcement of the stadium deal framework. We'll parse the words of journalists who are parsing the words of various players in the stadium development. We'll get ourselves alternately - and sometimes simultaneously - excited and depressed about the progress we may or may not see as quickly as we'd like.</p>
<p>But for now, please enjoy these pictures from today's press conference, which were taken by myself and <a href="http://www.greatergreaterwashington.org">Greater Greater Washington's</a> <a href="http://greatergreaterwashington.org/cavan/">Cavan Wilk</a>.</p>
<h4>More from Black And Red United:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-alumni/2013/7/25/4555246/united-abroad-alumni-news-notes-for-july-2013">United Abroad: Alumni News & Notes for July 2013</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/25/4555996/tommy-wells-dc-united-fox-5-buzzard-point">D.C. Council Member Tommy Wells talking Buzzard Point and D.C. United on Fox 5 this morning</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/24/4554440/dc-united-stadium-buzzard-point-vincent-gray-jason-levien">Could D.C. United be finally getting a stadium? Vincent Gray has a press conference scheduled for Buzzard Point tomorrow</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/dc-united-reserves-richmond-kickers/2013/7/24/4552348/dc-united-vs-new-england-revolution-lineup-casey-townsend-luis-silva">D.C. United vs. New England Revolution Lineup: Back to Townsend?</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/25/4556772/dc-united-mayor-vince-gray-stadium-press-conference-galleryAdam M Taylor2013-07-25T09:48:38-04:002013-07-25T09:48:38-04:00CM Tommy Wells talking Buzzard Point on Fox 5
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UlcS5p2Y2cygw2br5620YIwfVG8=/23x0:778x503/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16876981/stadium_147.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Whiting</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Ward 6 CM went on local news to talk about his support for the proposed deal between the city and the team to put a stadium on Buzzard Point.</p> <p>Here's why Tommy Wells matters with regard to a <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> stadium on Buzzard Point. First, he's a member of the D.C. Council, so there's that. Second, he represents Ward 6, which includes Capitol Hill, the Navy Yard area and - most importantly for today - Buzzard Point. Third, he's running for mayor, whether incumbent Vince Gray runs for reelection or not. So his support is pretty critical if United are going to get the chance to spend $150 million of Erick Thohir's money on a new building.</p>
<p>Which is why this video - in spite of the anchor's referring to "the" United in the intro - is really good news. Wells has been on record as supporting a new stadium in his ward, but this segment shows him selling it. He calls it a "win-win" for the city (more jobs, keep the team, no new debt). Wells, who is known for promoting "walkable, livable communities" and development patterns that allow greater density and more use of biking and transit, is giving his full-throated support to the specifics of this stadium plan.</p>
<p>By no means is Tommy Wells the <em>most</em> important cog to have in place while United is navigating this process, but he's certainly a good one to have in your corner, especially with Mayor Gray and Ward 2 Council Member (and another mayoral candidate) Jack Evans on-board, as well.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2013/7/25/4555996/tommy-wells-dc-united-fox-5-buzzard-pointAdam M Taylor